The terms below are needed for the clear
communication of form and technique during practice. Many of
these are important for rank advancement. Birankai provides
these
guidelines for advancement through white
belt (Kyu) and black
belt (Dan) levels.

People

O-Sensei – Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido

Sensei – teacher. The word literally means “the one who is born before”
which regards the transmission of an art or craft through physical
means from generation to generation.

Nage – defender (person who throws)

Uke – attacker (person who falls)

Sempai – senior student

Kohai – junior student

Deshi – apprentice

Uchi Deshi – “live in” trainee (inside dojo)

Soto Deshi – “outside” trainee (outside dojo)

YudanSha – black belt level students (addressed as a group)

Kenshusel – teacher-trainee program

Shihan – master instructor

Shidoin – instructor

Fukushidoin – assistant instructor

Miscellaneous

Dojo – school, place of The Way

Ai – blending, harmony

Ki – energy, spirit, breath

Do – a path, a way

Hara – physical center (of body)

Jyo, Jo – wooden staff

Bokken – wooden sword

Tanto – wooden knife

Katana – sword

Gi – dojo practice uniform

Obi – belt

Hakama – black or blue split pants worn over gi pants

Waza – technique

Kyu – basic level (grade), white belt ranks

Dan – black belt ranks

Keiko, Geiko – practice

Keiko-gi – practice uniform

Kan-geiko – cold weather practice

Chochu-geiko – hot weather practice

Misogi – purification or cleansing of body mind, spirit through special
practice